Wilderness Yoga & Wellness Retreat for Women in Belize
Doorway into Divine Consciousness
A Full Moon Women's Yoga Retreat in the Land of the Maya
November 7 to November 15, 2008
The Retreat
Join HERIZEN™ Yoga for Women on a magical, mystical Yoga / Qigong Maya Spiritual Yoga Adventure in the Belize Wilderness Jungle. This all-inclusive women's yoga retreat is set on a beautiful jungle river in southern Belize.
There is a heightened consciousness that is emerging, a new higher order of Being and the land of Maya Mysteries in Belize can help with the vibrational shift that humanity is going through now.
BE a part of this shift and nourish your body, mind and soul in the heart of the Belizean rainforest at our jungle eco-lodge in southern Belize. The eco-lodge sits on 100 acres of mostly nature, forested resort property in the jungle. It was mostly built with the help of residents of the Mayan villages nearby. The owners have integrated the lodge with the surrounding area and have taken the steps towards creating an eco-friendly existence. For those of you that love nature, magical adventure, culture, mystical awareness, think green and love your life then this is the trip for you. Drawn from nature, we will create space for renewal, relaxation and reflection.
Be a part of the ocean of cosmic transformation flowing with nature and Hatha.
About our Wilderness Jungle Lodge
Our wilderness jungle eco-lodge is located on the Moho River. There are 10 private river front cabanas. The eco-lodge only uses solar energy for all basic electrical requirements. There is an organic garden and they have recently begun a reforestation program planting teak and mahogany trees.
Another notable feature of this lodge is the composting system. The lodge uses traditional flush toilets and return nutrients to the soil through bio-remediation and phyto-remediation. Instead of a traditional leach field, the use a self contained reservoir planted with banana palm trees. The banana plants actually absorb the liquid. The smell is free and clear and pleasant. These banana trees are used only for this purpose.
There is a self-guided path system throughout the 70-acre jungle tract that allows you to take the opportunity to explore the many varieties of flora and fauna.
The Citrus Orchard Walk is a boardwalk path extending around the perimeter of the 100-acre property and leads you through the 30-acre citrus orchard. You are free to pick what ever you like right from the tree!
The Moho River is clean and offers a refreshing dip any time of day or night. You can swim right from the cabana or swim out to the floating dock, lie out in the sun or catch a nap in the cool shade by the river bank.
There are dugout canoes available for you to take a paddle anytime. Along the Moho River you will find howler monkeys, iguanas, turtles and a rich variety of birds on the forested banks. Local Indian children fishing or just drifting by on their way down stream are also a common sight along the river.
Hop onto a horse and head out into the jungle where you experience low handing vines into the deep jungle, where you may have a chance to encounter with mountain cow, wild turkey or wild peccary. Listen to the birds and howler monkeys in the tree tops. The horses are friendly and safe for riding.
Daily Excursions
The realm of the Maya covered much of Central America during the first millennium and included many magnificent cites such as Tikal and Copan. And only recently have archeologists started to appreciate the significance of caves to the ancients, who viewed them as portals to the underworld where the spirits of the dead would dwell. And while the Maya were wary of the underworld, referring to it as "the place of fright," they also used caves for ceremonies and rituals to communicate with the gods.
To experience one of these amazing caves, we will drive inland along a road bordering the Mayan Mountains. As we come into the tiny village of Blue Creek, we leave our vehicle and begin our journey by foot. The cave is a 20 minute hike from the village. Following the river's edge, we make our way further upstream as we begin to recede into the mountain gorge. Either side of the gorge is covered from high above with a blanket of emerald green vegetation cascading down to the blue creek's source.
This is Hokeb Ha Cave. From here the true adventure begins. As we swim into the caves opening, through a pool of emerald blue cool water, we soon come into darkness. We have entered into the underworld of the Maya. The Maya name for this cave is "Hokeb Ha" or "Where the water enters the earth". We light our lanterns and the magic of this place begins to appear.
Stalactites and stalagmites lead us from one chamber to the next as we explore this seldom visited world. Archaeologists have found many Late Classic ceramics and an altar inside the cave, leading them to theorize that the Hokeb Ha cave was used specifically for ceremonial purposes.
The calm water at the main entrance is perfect for us to take a leisurely swim. An unforgettable experience! After we exit the cave we'll relax and enjoy a picnic lunch. Before heading back to the lodge, we will walk back to the village and we'll stop and see some local Maya selling crafts.
Mayan ruins are also found throughout Belize as a testament to this vibrant culture of the past. If you choose, we can explore the mystery and wonder of ancient Mayan civilization in the buildings left behind. Some of what you can experience:
Pushila
For something really different, this is the adventure you won't want to miss! Pushila is a Mayan ruin partially excavated in the 1920s then abandoned. It is known principally for its many carved monuments dating to the Classic period and has a unique architectural feature: a triple-span bridge. The ruins can only be reached by boat, therefore, we will launch into our canoes paddling a short distance up the Moho River. The plaza contains about two dozen carved stelae.
Nim Li Punit
In the Maya Kekchi language, Nim Li Punit means "the big hat," which is inherited from a carving on the longest of the site's twenty-six stelae, depicting a figure wearing a large headdress.
Lubaantun
Lubaantun is the largest Maya archaeological site in the south and one of the last major settlements built in Belize. Temple walls were constructed of cut stone and fit without the use of mortar. A controversial Crystal Skull was found here in 1926. The skull is said to show no tooled markings and is composed of pure crystallized quartz--fact or fiction, you decide.
You will also have the opportunity to visit the local villages and much more.
Your Women's Yoga Teacher and Self-Awareness Guide: Valma Brenton E-RYT
Valma is a transformational trainer. She discovered Qigong and Kundalini yoga 13 years ago while working in Chile. Within a short time, Valma noticed that the benefits of her practice of yoga raised her level of awareness, allowed her to stay focused, healthy and present in her own physical body. This was important to her as she had lost the use of her legs temporarily in the recovery of a back injury some years before. In her continued exploration of yoga, Qigong and other healing modalities she found her practice to create a bridge between the body and the spirit and she believes this will also play an important role in the global awakening. As an E- RYT in Iyengar 200 Hrs & Ashtanga 200 Hrs based Hatha yoga, Iyengar precision & Ashtanga Hatha Yoga and Qi Yoga flow are practices that Valma incorporates in her daily life as well as offerings in her women only adventure programs. She is certified in Qigong (Cloudy Satchel form) and believes yoga, Qigong and movement gets people into their bodies, deeply connects them to themselves, and more openly connects them with nature and others. It is a transformational practice. "My purpose, says Valma "Is to be a mirror for other women, to share my knowledge and wisdom of life and empowering them to reach their desired dreams, reach their fullest potential and live their best life. To inspire them to create miracles in their lives and be open to the present moment… creating balance through awareness, self-confidence, intention and faith. I invite you to celebrate personal success and well-being through awareness, motion and nature. I invite you to join me on the journey of freedom & magical adventure through Yoga / Qigong and let your Spirit fly!
Make every breath a portal to peace in your heart
Expand yourself and live the possible dream and life you always imaged today!
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Getting There
Your magical yoga adventure begins as you step off the plane in Punta Gorda. We will meet you there and take you on the last leg of your journey by boat. It’s a beautiful trip along the coast and up the Moho River.
Punta Gorda lies in the southernmost region of Belize, the Toledo District. You will be responsible to book the 45 minute flight from the International Airport in Belize City (BZE) to Punta Gorda (not included in retreat price). It is very easy to do – just visit either Maya Island Air or Tropic Air.
Belize is on the mainland of Central America just south of Mexico and flanked by the Caribbean Sea to the east and only a 2 hour flight from Miami or Houston. You can fly from the United States on Continental Airlines, US Airways, Delta, American Airlines or Taca International (international flights not included in retreat price).
Your Retreat Inclusions & Value:
This all-inclusive HERIZEN™ Yoga / Chi Gung Full Moon Retreat, on a beautiful jungle river in southern Belize includes:
• 8 nights / 7 days shared accommodation in private riverfront cabanas. Awaken to the song of exotic birds and the roar of monkeys in the distance.
• Transfers to and from Punta Gorda airport to the jungle eco-lodge on the Moho River
• Three meals per day including water, juices and soft drinks– start your day with fresh tropical fruit from the organic garden and sample chocolate made from the organic cocoa grown on site.
• 2 yoga classes per day including Meditation and Pranayama – Awaken & Energize
• 1 or 2 Qigong and other breath work exercises per day (Ovarian Breathing) Envision Qi (inner life force) infusing the entire being with Radiant Health and Vitality.
• Introduction to the Heart of the Secret “The Power of Clarinyms “ Learn to visualize and create your ideal dream and the life you most love through playful exercises using the creative power of our verbal focus to bring into our life what brings us JOY!
• Sound Meditation: Experience the positive effect of sound and vibration as a way to calm the mind, settle the emotions, balance the body, and lift the Spirit.
• Daily guided excursions to the surrounding area including: boat trips or road trips to Mayan ruins, Mayan villages, Tamash Sarstoon National Park, Chocolate Making, Rio Blanco Falls, Blue Creek Caves and more
• All activities at the eco-lodge including paddling in dugout canoes, horseback riding, swimming, rainforest trails, hiking and much more
• Full Moon Women's Sacred Ceremony
Value:
US $1895 PP - Space available
Email: yoga@herizenlifeadventures.com or Toll Free 1.866.399.4253
Frequently asked Questions
What should I bring on my trip?
Belize is a tropical climate, therefore, bring clothing that will keep you cool and shaded from the sun. Before your trip, you may want to visit www.belizenet.com, a helpful website on Belize that can keep you abreast of the weather. For clothes, make sure to include lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants, a bathing suit, a rain poncho, a light jacket, and a hat. Aside from clothes, you’ll need good walking/hiking shoes, suntan lotion, beach towel, bug repellant, flashlight, binoculars, and a yoga mat and extra film/batteries for your camera.
Is the lodge near a town?
The lodge is about 15 miles (by either road or river) from Punta Gorda, a town of 5,000 people. There are the small Mayan villages of Santa Anna and San Felipe each with 350 inhabitants just a couple of miles a way. Still, when you are at the lodge you are immersed in the jungle and we will make sure that all requirements are met right on the property.
How do I get to and from the lodge?
All transfers are included between Punta Gorda and the lodge. You will be met by our staff upon arrival at the Punta Gorda airport and taken via boat up the Moho River to our lodge. The daily excursions include transportation either in our van or boat.
What health precautions should I take?
Vaccinations or medical clearances are not required. It is recommended that you bring your own prescriptions and anti-malarial pills for extended jungle stays. A good bottle of bug spray (with deet) goes a long way in aiding your comfort and keeping the air free and clear. Look for natural products. You will also find that good walking shoes are a tremendous asset.
What will I be eating?
The lodge restaurant will feature Belizean favorites as well as the chef’s own creative cuisine. We’ll give you the opportunity to try the traditional dishes like rice and beans with stewed chicken, cabbage salad, coconut rice, fry jacks, and of course plenty of fresh fruit and seafood. Each meal we will also offer cuisine geared toward the North American palette, with house specialties similar to what you might find at your favorite bistro.
What if I have a special diet?
The lodge will be happy to accommodate your dietary preferences and routinely provide vegetarian options. Let us know beforehand of any dietary requirements and the chefs will plan appropriately. You can also store special foods that you may want to bring with you.
Is the river by the lodge a good place to swim?
The Moho River is a great place to swim. The water is clean, the current is gentle, and there are rarely any boats going by. There is a rope swing and the water’s 30 feet deep!
